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Easter's Lilly

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

The Writing Mom
There should be a special award for the writing mom. As we strive to use our craft to take our readers on journeys far, far away, reality sometimes gets in the way. Often balancing the daily routine with getting something out of our heads and onto the blank page can be a bit of a conundrum. If you are like me, you have perfected the act of carrying on a conversation with your children and typing without missing a beat. However, sometimes a little peace and quiet would be most helpful.

If you're a writing mom there is also a chance that you work outside of the home. Notice that I said "work outside of the home" and not simply "work." Being a stay at home mom is one of the most difficult yet rewarding job anyone can ever do. I loved my time as a "working inside the home" mom and wife, and if I am honest with myself, will admit to missing those times with great sincerity. So, what do you do if you have a job, kids, and other commitments, but the voices inside your brain are beating their angry fists on the inside of your head, begging to get out? It's time to make time. Here are a few suggestions for the writing mom.

Have a family meeting. Communicate with your family about what is going on with you. Communication is the key to any successful relationship. Explain that you are going to need some time alone. It doesn't have to be a lot of time, but mommy usually takes care of mommy last. Make sure they understand that this is just something that you need to do to be happy. And we all know that if mommy isn't happy, no one is happy.

Create a feasible routine. Find a time in the day where you will have time to yourself and write a little bit every day. Start with fifteen minutes if you have to, but don't just not write. Make sure that this time of day is when your children are either asleep, not at home, or know to leave you alone until you have completed your task.

Ask for a little help. If your children are old enough, ask them to help around the house a little so that you can get some work done. Reward them with ice cream, or some special mommy time, but let them do a little bit of the heavy lifting for you. Sit them down and explain how important it is for you to have a little bit of time each day to write, and you might be surprised at how accommodating they will be.

If any of you have any other tips or tidbits to share, please feel free to post in the comments. This works for me, but I will admit to getting off track from time to time. So, here's to you, writing moms out there. I can't wait to sit down and read some of the wonderful things that are waiting in the wings to be published.